Person-centred working in health and social care

Putting people first: The vital importance of person-centred care in health and social services

A fundamental principle in health and social care guides every interaction and decision: person-centred care. At its core, this approach places individuals and their unique needs, preferences, and aspirations at the forefront of every care plan and service delivery. In this blog, Rose delves into the significance of person-centred care, exploring its key principles, legislative foundations, and practical implications.

Key facts and statistics

According to a survey by the Health Foundation, 86% of people receiving social care services rated it as important that they were treated with dignity and respect.
Studies show that person-centred care leads to higher patient satisfaction, better health outcomes, and increased adherence to treatment plans.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) highlights person-centred care as a cornerstone of high-quality healthcare delivery.

Key definitions

Person-centred care - A collaborative approach that prioritises the individual's values, preferences, and goals in all aspects of care delivery.
Autonomy - The right of individuals to make their own decisions about their care and treatment.
Dignity - Treating individuals with respect, honouring their worth and value as human beings.

Legislation, regulations, and best practice

The Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 in England mandates that health and social care providers must deliver person-centred care and support.
The Care Act 2014 imposes a legal duty on local authorities to promote individual well-being and ensure that care and support are tailored to individuals' needs and preferences.
The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 similarly emphasises the importance of person-centred care in Wales.

Understanding person-centred care

Person-centred care goes beyond simply meeting physical needs; it encompasses emotional, social, and psychological aspects of well-being. By engaging individuals as active participants in their care, providers can better understand their unique circumstances and tailor interventions accordingly.

Implementing person-centred care

Building trusting relationships - Establishing rapport and trust is essential for effective person-centred care. This involves active listening, empathy, and fostering open communication.
Shared decision-making - Involving individuals in decision-making empowers them to take ownership of their health and care journey. This collaborative approach ensures that interventions align with the person's values and preferences.
Respect for autonomy - Recognising and respecting individuals' autonomy is fundamental to person-centred care. Providers should support individuals in making informed choices and exercising control over their lives.

Recommendations

Foster a person-centred culture - Organisations should promote a culture that values and prioritises person-centred care, embedding it into policies, procedures, and staff training.
Continuous training and development - Investing in staff training and development ensures that care providers have the knowledge and skills to deliver person-centred care effectively.
Solicit feedback - Regularly seeking feedback from individuals and their families enables providers to improve and adapt services continuously to meet evolving needs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, person-centred care lies at the heart of quality health and social services. Care providers can deliver genuinely responsive, respectful, and dignified services by recognising individuals as active partners in their care. Embracing the principles of person-centred care enhances the quality of care and promotes individual well-being and empowerment.

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About the author

Rose Mabiza

Rose has dedicated over 15 years to improving health and social care quality through practice, targeted education and training. Her extensive experience includes working with older adults, individuals with mental health conditions, and people with autism and learning disabilities.